Leak detection & pipe repair in St. Paul, MN

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water first

Every adult in the house should know where the main water shutoff is. In most Minnesota homes it is in the basement, near the water meter, where the water line comes through the foundation wall. Turn the handle clockwise to close it. Test it once a year so you know it works before you need it.

If water is near outlets, cords or the electrical panel, do not wade in. Shut off power to that area only if you can reach the panel safely and stay dry. Then call us at 651-488-5555. For a burst pipe or active flooding, see our emergency plumbing page.

How to check for a hidden leak

Not every leak shows up as a puddle. The EPA’s WaterSense program suggests a simple meter test: read your water meter, use no water for two hours, then read it again. If the reading moved, you probably have a leak somewhere.

Toilets are a common culprit. Put a few drops of food coloring in the tank and wait about 10 minutes without flushing. If color shows up in the bowl, the flapper is leaking. A water bill that jumps without a change in your habits is another clue.

Pinhole leaks and frozen pipes

A pinhole leak is a tiny hole that wears through a pipe wall, often in older copper or steel piping. It may start as a fine spray or a damp spot on a ceiling and get worse over time. One pinhole can be patched, but several in the same run of pipe usually mean the pipe is wearing out.

Minnesota winters are hard on pipes in exterior walls, crawl spaces, garages and unheated porches. When water freezes it expands, and the pipe can split. Often the leak does not show until the ice thaws. If a faucet gives only a trickle in a cold snap, the pipe may be frozen. The Red Cross advises gentle heat, such as a hair dryer, and never an open flame. If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, call a plumber.

How we find and fix the leak

We start with what you have noticed: wet spots, stains, sounds of running water or a high bill. We check the meter, the fixtures and the exposed piping, then narrow down where the water is going before we open a wall or ceiling.

Before we repair anything, we explain what we found and the options. A single damaged section can usually be cut out and replaced. If the piping has many leaks or heavy corrosion, we will tell you, and talk through whether repiping makes more sense than repeated patches.

Signs you may have a hidden leak

Your water meter moves when no water is being used
A water bill that jumps without a change in use
Water stains or damp spots on ceilings, walls or floors
A musty smell or mold in a cabinet, closet or basement corner
The sound of running water when everything is off
Low water pressure or a faucet that only trickles in cold weather
Warped flooring or bubbling paint near plumbing

Common questions

How do I know if I have a leak I can’t see?

Read your water meter, use no water for two hours, then read it again. If the number changed, water is going somewhere. A dye test in the toilet tank can rule out a leaking flapper.

Where is my main water shutoff?

In most Minnesota homes it is in the basement, near the water meter, where the water line enters through the foundation. If you cannot find it or it will not turn, ask us to locate and check it.

Can a pinhole leak be patched?

One pinhole can often be repaired by replacing that section of pipe. Several pinholes in the same piping usually mean the pipe is wearing out, and replacing the run may save repeated repairs.

What should I do if a pipe freezes?

Keep the faucet open and warm the pipe gently with a hair dryer or heating pad. Never use an open flame. If you cannot find or reach the frozen section, or the pipe has split, shut off the water and call a plumber.